[acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update

[Baracco, Andrew W]

For me personally, I am more effected by issues concerning Government employees than issues relating to my actual profession, so I will likely devote most of my efforts to my union, and ACBGE.

Andy


-----Original Message-----
From: acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org [mailto:acb-hsp-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of peter altschul
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2013 8:20 PM
To: Discussion list for ACB human service professionals
Subject: Re: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update

Hi:

As some of you may know, this is the second time a group of social service providers tried to form an affiliate.  The first time failed, and the affiliate was dissolved.  My sense is that this one is failing as well, and I would sadly support its dissolution.

I wonder if members might consider joining NABT, as educating is part of our role as social service providers.

Best, Peter



> ----- Original Message -----
>From: "Darian Slayton Fleming" <darehart56 at hotmail.com
>To: "Discussion list for ACB human service professionals" 
<acb-hsp at acb.org
>Date sent: Sun, 20 Jan 2013 19:38:55 -0800
>Subject: [acb-hsp] ACB-HSP Status Update

>Hello List:


>There has been talk on this list about the affairs and status of
the ACB Human Service Professionals (ACB-HSP) Organization.  I am writing to update you on the status of this special interest affiliate.  In addition, I am asking for your recommendations about how this organization should proceed based on this information.


>At the 2012 conference, ACB-HSP held a networking session that
was attended by only seven or eight people.  Most were new and some of them joined the affiliate.  The conversation was meaningful, but our treasury took a hit since we did not have enough attendees to pay for the event.  We ended up owing ACB $45.


>The diversity session was better attended, but not by much.  
About ten people were present for Peter Autchul’s excellent presentation.


>The business meeting, in contrast, was attended only by our 
treasurer, Deanna Austin, two people who joined the organization 
and me.  We were to hold officer elections, but we did not have a 
quorum.


>This was followed by a conference call that I planned.  Those of 
you who have been following this know that I forgot to attend the 
call.


>Since then three of the five officers on the board have resigned.


>I attempted to hold a membership only conference call to explore 
remedies and to decide how to proceed.  Again, Deanna Austin and 
I attended along with one other member.  It was not possible to 
make any decisions with a lack of participation.


>At previous times, with lulls in participation and other 
problems, the organization has floundered.  Then interested 
members have taken leadership roles and revived the organization.  
I am at a loss as to what to try next.  Deanna Austin believes in 
this organization.  However, she had not planned to run for 
election again and wishes to step down.  This would leave the 
affiliate with only one officer.


>Some people have suggested dissolving the affiliate.  According 
to our bylaws, the affiliate can only dissolve officially at an 
annual convention affiliate business meeting with the vote of 
four fifths of the membership present and voting.


>It is time to begin planning for the 2013 Human Service 
Professionals affiliate program.  I have had an inquiry about 
whether HSP wants to participate in a program activity that has 
been publicized on the convention planning list.  I am very 
interested in seeing Human Service Professionals survive.  I 
attended convention last year because of my position, despite 
financial difficulties and the fact that three of the five 
officers were not attending due to finances and other 
obligations.


>I believe ACB Human Service Professionals serves as a forum for 
providing education and support to students who are future 
professionals and to human service professionals who are blind.  
Through networking, we educate ourselves and potential employers 
and community partners.  We have sponsored some wonderful 
programs.


>Although I have made mistakes, I am willing to try to work on 
reviving our organization.  However, I am only one person and 
cannot make decisions alone for this affiliate.  Due to current 
circumstances, I am not willing to plan programs, incur further 
financial hardship attending the 2013 convention to implement 
programs or continue to pursue support for the affiliate if 
participation continues to be minimal.


>I would welcome comments on this list about your thoughts about 
how we shall move forward.  Do you think we should allow the 
affiliate to dissolve? There are only two ways the affiliate can 
dissolve.  According to our bylaws, there must be a vote of four 
fifths of the members present and voting at a national 
convention.  Would any of you members plan to attend a business 
meeting in July 2013 in order to vote to dissolve?


>Otherwise, we can fail to submit a membership roster and dues for 
three years; then the credentials committee could recommend to 
the ACB that our charter be lifted.


>If you believe we should attempt to move forward in a positive 
direction, do you plan to attend convention? Do you plan to join 
the organization or renew your membership by paying your dues by 
February 15th, 2013? Please let us know what you think by 
replying to this E-mail.


>If we want to revive our affiliate, we could also have someone 
from the membership committee work with us to resolve differences 
and difficulties.


>If you plan to join or renew your membership, please send a check 
for $10 to Deanna Austin, treasurer, by February 15 so she can 
send our information and money to ACB before March 15, 2013.  
Deanna’s address is 5248 Spring Creek Court., Indianapolis IN 
46254.


>If you believe we should continue the organization, please let me 
know if you would take a position on the board.  The vacancies 
are vice-president, secretary, treasurer and program director.  
The board has the authority to appoint officers, if vacancies 
occur between annual conventions, and Deanna and I would convene 
a meeting to do so.  You must be a paid member to be appointed to 
a position.


>Your ideas are welcome.  I will need to make a decision about 
whether to plan programs and whether I am in a position to attend 
the 2013 convention.


>I look forward to your feedback.  Thank you.


>Sincerely,


>Darian Slayton Fleming

>ACB Human Service Professionals President

>(503) 253-9543 (home)

>(503) 522-3272 (cell)

>Darehart56 at hotmail.com


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